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Published in 1982, this technical, research-based publication focuses on primary sludge. The book examines sludge composting using as a model a facility that serves the city of Camden, New Jersey. It is one of the first books to provide a comprehensive treatment of municipal sludge composting and a must for any professional who desires a complete library on composting. The manual focuses specifically on a static pile, forced aeration composting system, but much of the information is useful for other methods of composting as well. Twelve chapters cover all aspects of sludge composting -- from the basics (What is composting? What is sludge?) to the finer points (How does one ensure a sufficient airflow rate in a sludge compost pile? In what temperature range does decomposition occur most rapidly?). Four chapters focus on the crucial parameter of airflow. Highlighting the text are 74 figures and 65 tables. (1982)

Sludge Composting and Utilization gives results of research published in 1982 and conducted during the Camden Project-a program for composting primary sludge in Camden, New Jersey.

This publication is definitive and comprehensive in its presentation of information gathered during the life of the Camden Project and required for designing and operating a similar facility. The information presented pertains specifically to the static pile, forced aeration sludge composting process demonstrated at Camden. However, much of the information is useful for other methods of composting.

The twelve chapters in this manual cover important components of this primary sludge composting project, such as representative chemical reactions, physical requirements for airflow, airflow resistance, vacuum-induced aeration system, mixing, bulking agents, curing, screening, and monitoring.

As presented in this manual, composting is a process that depends, to a large degree, on engineering concepts. Topics are presented individually, but they all interact to form a system. If the composition or moisture content of the sludge changes, for example, there will be a response throughout all of the elements comprising the system. Each type of mixer, screen, and bulking agent will also alter characteristics of the system. This manual not only provides goals for the system but also examines variability in the system. The research findings are organized according to unit operations and processes; and, whenever possible, engineering principles are used to examine these unit processes.

The material in this publication is technical and research-based. Distinct areas of investigation were identified during the Camden Project. Each area was examined, and the information was assembled. Research was conducted at the New Jersey Agricultural Experiment Station at Cook College, Rutgers University. The work was performed as part of a project supported by the Experiment Station, the city of Camden, the Camden Municipal Utilities Authority, the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection, and the United States Environmental Protection Agency.

Sludge Composting and Utilization is available from NRAES for $25.00 (plus shipping and handling) from NRAES, Cooperative Extension, PO Box 4557, Ithaca, New York 14852-4557. Shipping and handling for a single copy is $6.00 within the continental United States. New York residents, add sales tax (calculated on both the cost of publications and the shipping and handling charges. Click here for more information.) If ordering multiple copies or if ordering from outside the continental United States, please contact NRAES for shipping and handling rates. Orders from outside the United States must be prepaid in U.S. funds. Checks should be made payable to NRAES. All major credit cards are accepted. For a free publications catalog, contact NRAES by phone at (607) 255-7654, by fax (607) 254-8770, by e-mail at nraes@cornell.edu, or on the web at http://www.nraes.org